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Recurrent lingering pleurisy. Is there help?
Last year i contracted pleurisy after sitting (for a short time) in a draft in a wet shirt. Antibiotics didn't help. My Dr. said it's viral and will clear itself. I felt miserable - besides pain there was total exhaustion, low grade fever rising every aftrenoon, profuse sweats (had to change clothes every hour), especially at night. ALL of these symptoms, including hectic fever and sweats lasted ~5 months (between the last week of June to mid November). This is in spite of hot compresses, multivitamin, cod liver oil, vit.C, Echinacea and more. I was fine winter and spring and thought I'd put this nightmare behind. But....At the end of June (~ 3 weeks ago) after being exposed to extermely cold air in a store (in contrast to the heat outside), I came down with pleurisy again, with exactly same symptoms. I've been sick for 3 weeks now with no improvement in spite of treatment - a lot of supplements, hot wraps etc. I dread to think it may take 5 months again. The hectic fever and continuos drenching sweats are unbearable. Two Drs (family and pulmonologist) aren't worried as the Xray is normal. They said I just have to give it more time. I WANT MY LIFE BACK!!! WHAT CAN I DO TO RECOVER SOONER? I CAN'T WASTE ANOTHER 5 MONTHS OF MY LIFE (Also, HAD to quit my job). WILL IT BE REPEATING EVERY YEAR?? Has anybody been in my shoes?? PLEASE HELP!!!!
My partner has contracted pleurisy 5 weeks ago and was getting better, but then probably overdid things and has had a real setback and is now worse than ever. He needs to get back to work, but there's no way he can do so with the pain and the hot flushes and the exhaustion. This is truly a nasty condition that I'd never heard of previously......
1 Comments
Hello and welcome to MedHelp and our forums. Very sorry about your partner's ongoing pleurisy and the set back. One of the important things about pleurisy is understanding the underlying reason for why it has happened. This may require a chest x ray or perhaps a needle biopsy.
Your partner may require antibiotics or need to be on a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medication (Nsaid). If a cough is involved, medication for the cough may also be prescribed.
Here is some general information https://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-pleurisy-treatment
Has your partner been back to the doctor?
Your partner may require antibiotics or need to be on a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medication (Nsaid). If a cough is involved, medication for the cough may also be prescribed.
Here is some general information https://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-pleurisy-treatment
Has your partner been back to the doctor?
I appreciate all the experiences shared here.
For me, I can only surmise I have had Pleurisy 3 times. On each of those 3 occurrences, I got the sharp, unbearable pains and a fever—just after having a virus for either weeks or a few days. I wasn't exposed to cold air like the others. Once it went to both sides of my back and twice to the front upper chest area.
Here is what I did that worked:
Thankfully, so far 2x times it has gone away within 8-10 hrs after massaging 4-5 drops of DILUTED, high quality, Oregano and Thyme essential oils on the area of pain and a few inches around it.
Here is my method:
I diluted both essential oils by mixing 4-5 drops (total of both oils) with approx. 1 tsp. of organic oil (like coconut, almond, or jojoba,—not olive oil!). One time I used a hot compress and another time I didn't.
It STINKS nasty, but I was willing to suffer that little bit—better than the HORRIBLE pain.
I washed it off after 5-6 hours. I had to wash the area 3x to get the smell off.
Today is my 3rd bout of undiagnosed Pleurisy. It concerned me that it has returned more than twice and that's why I'm in here. I appreciate reading from another person in here about the laying down with legs up for 30 minutes . That is amazing and I will try that today before putting the oils on.
Why did I use both Thyme and Oregano essential oils? They are well known for their anti-bacterial/anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
---->They are also extremely hot and can BURN A HOLE IN YOUR SKIN if you use them full strength and don't dilute them. Do not get them in your eyes!!!!!!
I highly recommend these brands: Dottera, Geo, or Young Living oils because they have no known toxins that can make you sicker. The market is very corrupt and cheap oils WILL make you sick. Please don't add to your problems. Standardized For those who've heard about consuming Oregano pills that are sold in the store, I probably would because it helps your immune system, but if I take them more than 2 days in a row I get a horrible healing crisis. Only Standardized Oregano will guarantee what you buy is what you get. NEVER buy supplements from AMAZON!!! Very dirty market and lots of fake labels!
For over 30 years I have not gone to a doctor because I know they would only give me antibiotics which damages the immune system. My immune system has always been weak and I sure don't want to enter the miserable, antibiotic side effect road!
The reason I have dealt with my illnesses holistically for over 30 years is because one doctor (30-some yrs ago) ran extensive tests, said everything was fine and I should consider seeing a psychiatrist for my symptoms. Thanks doctor!
Sadly I've had to forgo seeing doctors because they only think it's in my head. And they were 100% wrong, it wasn't in my head. I have found many cures to my many ailments via holistic medicine. Unfortunately I've also taken some bad holistic paths that have made me worse.
It's best to go to a Functional Medicine doctor. They know SO MUCH today!
I hope this helps someone who doesn't get help through the doctor or other methods mentioned here.
Sincerely,
Kim
For me, I can only surmise I have had Pleurisy 3 times. On each of those 3 occurrences, I got the sharp, unbearable pains and a fever—just after having a virus for either weeks or a few days. I wasn't exposed to cold air like the others. Once it went to both sides of my back and twice to the front upper chest area.
Here is what I did that worked:
Thankfully, so far 2x times it has gone away within 8-10 hrs after massaging 4-5 drops of DILUTED, high quality, Oregano and Thyme essential oils on the area of pain and a few inches around it.
Here is my method:
I diluted both essential oils by mixing 4-5 drops (total of both oils) with approx. 1 tsp. of organic oil (like coconut, almond, or jojoba,—not olive oil!). One time I used a hot compress and another time I didn't.
It STINKS nasty, but I was willing to suffer that little bit—better than the HORRIBLE pain.
I washed it off after 5-6 hours. I had to wash the area 3x to get the smell off.
Today is my 3rd bout of undiagnosed Pleurisy. It concerned me that it has returned more than twice and that's why I'm in here. I appreciate reading from another person in here about the laying down with legs up for 30 minutes . That is amazing and I will try that today before putting the oils on.
Why did I use both Thyme and Oregano essential oils? They are well known for their anti-bacterial/anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
---->They are also extremely hot and can BURN A HOLE IN YOUR SKIN if you use them full strength and don't dilute them. Do not get them in your eyes!!!!!!
I highly recommend these brands: Dottera, Geo, or Young Living oils because they have no known toxins that can make you sicker. The market is very corrupt and cheap oils WILL make you sick. Please don't add to your problems. Standardized For those who've heard about consuming Oregano pills that are sold in the store, I probably would because it helps your immune system, but if I take them more than 2 days in a row I get a horrible healing crisis. Only Standardized Oregano will guarantee what you buy is what you get. NEVER buy supplements from AMAZON!!! Very dirty market and lots of fake labels!
For over 30 years I have not gone to a doctor because I know they would only give me antibiotics which damages the immune system. My immune system has always been weak and I sure don't want to enter the miserable, antibiotic side effect road!
The reason I have dealt with my illnesses holistically for over 30 years is because one doctor (30-some yrs ago) ran extensive tests, said everything was fine and I should consider seeing a psychiatrist for my symptoms. Thanks doctor!
Sadly I've had to forgo seeing doctors because they only think it's in my head. And they were 100% wrong, it wasn't in my head. I have found many cures to my many ailments via holistic medicine. Unfortunately I've also taken some bad holistic paths that have made me worse.
It's best to go to a Functional Medicine doctor. They know SO MUCH today!
I hope this helps someone who doesn't get help through the doctor or other methods mentioned here.
Sincerely,
Kim
I have recurring illnesses with pleurisy for the last fifteen years. It comes normally twice yearly around Spring and November when the weather begins to change. I have been to several doctors trying to get relief for this condition but they really didn’t help. One day my cousin told me to go to her herbalist. I had nothing to lose so I went. The herbalist told me about Pleurisy Root. Before meeting with her I never heard about such a root. I got some from my health food store and to my surprise it worked. I still have occurrences of Pleurisy but it only last two to three days instead of weeks or even months.
I realize this is an older thread but I wanted to add my experiences with Chronic Pleurisy.
In my early twenties, I had issues with both lungs. Recurring Pneumothorax in each lung. In the beginning, all of my doctors said this was normal for tall thin males like myself. Google not being readily available as it is today, I took that as the way it is.
Over the past 15 years, I've had Pleurisy more times than I can count. In the beginning it seemed like it was every few years or so. Then progressed to every June. Literally within a few days of the exact same date the previous year.
At first my Pleurisy only lasted one to two weeks. Extremely painful but it was treatable. Over the years it started hanging around longer and longer. Today I have Pleurisy everyday. I have a constant pleural friction rub in my left side. It's been there for five months now. Some days it's less intense than others but that can change very rapidly.
Personally I have always noticed that when I'm outside in the sunlight, I feel better within a few minutes. It doesn't get rid of the tiredness and extreme pain, but I have meds for that. The slightest draft can set mine into overdrive. I have to be very cautious about my temperature. My temperature changes anywhere from 15 to 20 times a day. I can feel it coming but the thermometer says I'm normal. Sixty seconds later I'm not normal.
During the day I can regulate my temperature pretty well. It's amazing what you can get use to. Nights are a different story. I usually have to change my clothes and sometimes bed sheets two or three times a night.
As mentioned in the previous posts, I can attest that breathing treatment does help decrease the symptoms. Although I seriously doubt it will make it go away or even help with the pain at all. I use a spirometer daily to perform some of my breathing exercises. It helps push past some of the pain and prevents other things from setting in, such as pneumonia.
I cannot say that many of the initial doctors I went to had any real decent advice. In fact, I had to be persistent about the fact that I have a pleural friction rub that never goes away and shouldn't be there. I actually had one doctor say that "well all of the tests are normal so it can't be anything to worry about". Well guess what??? It turns out if you don't treat pleurisy, the rubbing will cause fluid to build-up, which can collapse your lung (Pneumothorax). That's exactly what happened to me a few years ago.
Of course, I finally saw a doctor that knew exactly what I have and explained Chronic Pleurisy to me. I had been told for years that pleurisy is a side effect of other illnesses and cannot just occur on its own. Turns out that you can just have Pleurisy and no other cause. In fact, my doctor believes that my original lung issues were caused by it too.
Never take the word of someone that goes against what your body is telling you. I almost died from listening to someone who told me it was normal. It may take you a few different doctors but don't give up. There are medical issues that just aren't as widely known. Unfortunately for people like us, the majority of the time the doctors are right on with their diagnosis and most people recover and go about their lives. In rare cases like mine, it took finding the right doctor who is familiar with Chronic Pleurisy.
In my early twenties, I had issues with both lungs. Recurring Pneumothorax in each lung. In the beginning, all of my doctors said this was normal for tall thin males like myself. Google not being readily available as it is today, I took that as the way it is.
Over the past 15 years, I've had Pleurisy more times than I can count. In the beginning it seemed like it was every few years or so. Then progressed to every June. Literally within a few days of the exact same date the previous year.
At first my Pleurisy only lasted one to two weeks. Extremely painful but it was treatable. Over the years it started hanging around longer and longer. Today I have Pleurisy everyday. I have a constant pleural friction rub in my left side. It's been there for five months now. Some days it's less intense than others but that can change very rapidly.
Personally I have always noticed that when I'm outside in the sunlight, I feel better within a few minutes. It doesn't get rid of the tiredness and extreme pain, but I have meds for that. The slightest draft can set mine into overdrive. I have to be very cautious about my temperature. My temperature changes anywhere from 15 to 20 times a day. I can feel it coming but the thermometer says I'm normal. Sixty seconds later I'm not normal.
During the day I can regulate my temperature pretty well. It's amazing what you can get use to. Nights are a different story. I usually have to change my clothes and sometimes bed sheets two or three times a night.
As mentioned in the previous posts, I can attest that breathing treatment does help decrease the symptoms. Although I seriously doubt it will make it go away or even help with the pain at all. I use a spirometer daily to perform some of my breathing exercises. It helps push past some of the pain and prevents other things from setting in, such as pneumonia.
I cannot say that many of the initial doctors I went to had any real decent advice. In fact, I had to be persistent about the fact that I have a pleural friction rub that never goes away and shouldn't be there. I actually had one doctor say that "well all of the tests are normal so it can't be anything to worry about". Well guess what??? It turns out if you don't treat pleurisy, the rubbing will cause fluid to build-up, which can collapse your lung (Pneumothorax). That's exactly what happened to me a few years ago.
Of course, I finally saw a doctor that knew exactly what I have and explained Chronic Pleurisy to me. I had been told for years that pleurisy is a side effect of other illnesses and cannot just occur on its own. Turns out that you can just have Pleurisy and no other cause. In fact, my doctor believes that my original lung issues were caused by it too.
Never take the word of someone that goes against what your body is telling you. I almost died from listening to someone who told me it was normal. It may take you a few different doctors but don't give up. There are medical issues that just aren't as widely known. Unfortunately for people like us, the majority of the time the doctors are right on with their diagnosis and most people recover and go about their lives. In rare cases like mine, it took finding the right doctor who is familiar with Chronic Pleurisy.
I realize this is an older thread but I wanted to add my experiences with Chronic Pleurisy.
In my early twenties, I had issues with both lungs. Recurring Pneumothorax in each lung. In the beginning, all of my doctors said this was normal for tall thin males like myself. Google not being readily available as it is today, I took that as the way it is.
Over the past 15 years, I've had Pleurisy more times than I can count. In the beginning it seemed like it was every few years or so. Then progressed to every June. Literally within a few days of the exact same date the previous year.
At first my Pleurisy only lasted one to two weeks. Extremely painful but it was treatable. Over the years it started hanging around longer and longer. Today I have Pleurisy everyday. I have a constant pleural friction rub in my left side. It's been there for five months now. Some days it's less intense than others but that can change very rapidly.
Personally I have always noticed that when I'm outside in the sunlight, I feel better within a few minutes. It doesn't get rid of the tiredness and extreme pain, but I have meds for that. The slightest draft can set mine into overdrive. I have to be very cautious about my temperature. My temperature changes anywhere from 15 to 20 times a day. I can feel it coming but the thermometer says I'm normal. Sixty seconds later I'm not normal.
During the day I can regulate my temperature pretty well. It's amazing what you can get use to. Nights are a different story. I usually have to change my clothes and sometimes bed sheets two or three times a night.
As mentioned in the previous posts, I can attest that breathing treatment does help decrease the symptoms. Although I seriously doubt it will make it go away or even help with the pain at all. I use a spirometer daily to perform some of my breathing exercises. It helps push past some of the pain and prevents other things from setting in, such as pneumonia.
I cannot say that many of the initial doctors I went to had any real decent advice. In fact, I had to be persistent about the fact that I have a pleural friction rub that never goes away and shouldn't be there. I actually had one doctor say that "well all of the tests are normal so it can't be anything to worry about". Well guess what??? It turns out if you don't treat pleurisy, the rubbing will cause fluid to build-up, which can collapse your lung (Pneumothorax). That's exactly what happened to me a few years ago.
Of course, I finally saw a doctor that knew exactly what I have and explained Chronic Pleurisy to me. I had been told for years that pleurisy is a side effect of other illnesses and cannot just occur on its own. Turns out that you can just have Pleurisy and no other cause. In fact, my doctor believes that my original lung issues were caused by it too.
Never take the word of someone that goes against what your body is telling you. I almost died from listening to someone who told me it was normal. It may take you a few different doctors but don't give up. There are medical issues that just aren't as widely known. Unfortunately for people like us, the majority of the time the doctors are right on with their diagnosis and most people recover and go about their lives. In rare cases like mine, it took finding the right doctor who is familiar with Chronic Pleurisy.
In my early twenties, I had issues with both lungs. Recurring Pneumothorax in each lung. In the beginning, all of my doctors said this was normal for tall thin males like myself. Google not being readily available as it is today, I took that as the way it is.
Over the past 15 years, I've had Pleurisy more times than I can count. In the beginning it seemed like it was every few years or so. Then progressed to every June. Literally within a few days of the exact same date the previous year.
At first my Pleurisy only lasted one to two weeks. Extremely painful but it was treatable. Over the years it started hanging around longer and longer. Today I have Pleurisy everyday. I have a constant pleural friction rub in my left side. It's been there for five months now. Some days it's less intense than others but that can change very rapidly.
Personally I have always noticed that when I'm outside in the sunlight, I feel better within a few minutes. It doesn't get rid of the tiredness and extreme pain, but I have meds for that. The slightest draft can set mine into overdrive. I have to be very cautious about my temperature. My temperature changes anywhere from 15 to 20 times a day. I can feel it coming but the thermometer says I'm normal. Sixty seconds later I'm not normal.
During the day I can regulate my temperature pretty well. It's amazing what you can get use to. Nights are a different story. I usually have to change my clothes and sometimes bed sheets two or three times a night.
As mentioned in the previous posts, I can attest that breathing treatment does help decrease the symptoms. Although I seriously doubt it will make it go away or even help with the pain at all. I use a spirometer daily to perform some of my breathing exercises. It helps push past some of the pain and prevents other things from setting in, such as pneumonia.
I cannot say that many of the initial doctors I went to had any real decent advice. In fact, I had to be persistent about the fact that I have a pleural friction rub that never goes away and shouldn't be there. I actually had one doctor say that "well all of the tests are normal so it can't be anything to worry about". Well guess what??? It turns out if you don't treat pleurisy, the rubbing will cause fluid to build-up, which can collapse your lung (Pneumothorax). That's exactly what happened to me a few years ago.
Of course, I finally saw a doctor that knew exactly what I have and explained Chronic Pleurisy to me. I had been told for years that pleurisy is a side effect of other illnesses and cannot just occur on its own. Turns out that you can just have Pleurisy and no other cause. In fact, my doctor believes that my original lung issues were caused by it too.
Never take the word of someone that goes against what your body is telling you. I almost died from listening to someone who told me it was normal. It may take you a few different doctors but don't give up. There are medical issues that just aren't as widely known. Unfortunately for people like us, the majority of the time the doctors are right on with their diagnosis and most people recover and go about their lives. In rare cases like mine, it took finding the right doctor who is familiar with Chronic Pleurisy.
Omg!!! I have the same problem! I've been battling this for 2.5 yrs now. I've seen 4 pulmonologist and I can't get an answer from any of them. How have you been doing?
My hospital prescribed prednisone along with an antibiotic and ibuprofen. After previous dr.s and hospitals treating it with morphine. Omg. The side effects as we know of steroids can be awful. Thank God I only did 1 upside down pyramid of prednisone and no more. I felt great. I mean anything is great after that, but really great and such a short time on the steroid zero weight gain.
I've had Pleurisy for about 18 years now. And it starts up every year. I will say this in short.
There are three types... not one!
1st last a few days like a small cold.
2nd lasts for weeks like a sickness or flu.
3rd can last for months and keep coming back when agitated and sparked back up.
Don't let a doctor say it couldn't be it because you've had it longer then a couple of days.
It also has extremely similar symptoms to pneumonia (fluid and gunk in the lungs and the body trying to get it out).
Most things have not worked to treat it, and I'm allergic to most drugs and antibiotics, so I can't take them, but for those of you who are not, Rynocort to dry up the lungs up works very well, and arrithamiacine helps with the broniycal infections.
Becuse I am, I can tell you that Beta Carrotine (Carrots) works well to open up your esophagus and lungs helping the body get air to the lungs and get the gunk out. It sounds like a lot, but I typically take 8 pills (which depending on the brand can be from 3,000-5,000 units) durring the worse weather and season conditions that bring it on; it equals about 300 carrots, and unless your allergic to carrots the worse it does is turn your skin a little orange after a month or so (orange only happens in some cases).
If your reading this and haven't had one, awesome, but my doctor calls it a pleurisy attack, and it feels like a heart attack... because of fluid in the lungs, you don't get enough oxygen in them, and therefore not the right amount of oxygen in your blood stream, if your like me and have tiny vains it's a double wammy... tiny vains and dense blood making it painful when it hits back up to the heart. Super similar to a heart attack, but your heart is beating normal and the hospital can't do anything for you. If you have had this I have found a few things that actually work!
Durring the attack take 600-800mg of ibuprofen and get this... START MASSAGING YOUR CALVES! When the dense blood gets the furthest away from the heart, the strongest circulation part of the body it get hard for a weak and in pain body to pump it correctly. Need and swqeeze the calves as hard as you can handle it (letting someone else do it works better if they are around) like needing dough, and for about 15 minutes, it will really get the book moving calm the pain down.
As for knowing it's coming back, lots of caughing is a good sign to start getting proactive about it.
Hope this helps a little. It's a super painful thing. I feel for you all.
There are three types... not one!
1st last a few days like a small cold.
2nd lasts for weeks like a sickness or flu.
3rd can last for months and keep coming back when agitated and sparked back up.
Don't let a doctor say it couldn't be it because you've had it longer then a couple of days.
It also has extremely similar symptoms to pneumonia (fluid and gunk in the lungs and the body trying to get it out).
Most things have not worked to treat it, and I'm allergic to most drugs and antibiotics, so I can't take them, but for those of you who are not, Rynocort to dry up the lungs up works very well, and arrithamiacine helps with the broniycal infections.
Becuse I am, I can tell you that Beta Carrotine (Carrots) works well to open up your esophagus and lungs helping the body get air to the lungs and get the gunk out. It sounds like a lot, but I typically take 8 pills (which depending on the brand can be from 3,000-5,000 units) durring the worse weather and season conditions that bring it on; it equals about 300 carrots, and unless your allergic to carrots the worse it does is turn your skin a little orange after a month or so (orange only happens in some cases).
If your reading this and haven't had one, awesome, but my doctor calls it a pleurisy attack, and it feels like a heart attack... because of fluid in the lungs, you don't get enough oxygen in them, and therefore not the right amount of oxygen in your blood stream, if your like me and have tiny vains it's a double wammy... tiny vains and dense blood making it painful when it hits back up to the heart. Super similar to a heart attack, but your heart is beating normal and the hospital can't do anything for you. If you have had this I have found a few things that actually work!
Durring the attack take 600-800mg of ibuprofen and get this... START MASSAGING YOUR CALVES! When the dense blood gets the furthest away from the heart, the strongest circulation part of the body it get hard for a weak and in pain body to pump it correctly. Need and swqeeze the calves as hard as you can handle it (letting someone else do it works better if they are around) like needing dough, and for about 15 minutes, it will really get the book moving calm the pain down.
As for knowing it's coming back, lots of caughing is a good sign to start getting proactive about it.
Hope this helps a little. It's a super painful thing. I feel for you all.
REAL HELP! Hello all, i had pleurisy twice many years ago and the first time was a awful experience for me and the story doesn't matter but the answer does!! a Doctor simply said to me... there is nothing i can give you for it as far as drugs, go home and lay on your back on the floor in front of the sofa, put your feet on the sofa up to your knees and stay there for about 30 min to an hour and do that twice a day. :/ well i thought ummm are you serious? i can't breathe!! lol well i had no other option so i tried it and OMG IT WORKED!! it took maybe 3 or so days to complete but felt better each time i did it, he explained to me that excess fluid gets into an area it doesn't belong in, he said it enters at the top of the chest cavity so you need to allow it to find its way back out so buy laying flat on the floor with your feet up and bent at the knee your upper body is straight, the fluid will travel back out , for me i could feel it sometimes, you may feel it sometimes in your throat as it comes out and just swallow. needless to say the second time i got it it was over quick cause i knew what to do, thank God! after that i took notice that when i slept on my left side the fluid would rise to that area so i sleep on my right or back, obviously i have something going on with fact my left side is open or weak but i didn't bother to address it i just avoid getting it again, my guess is it's reflux/gerd. take care, best to you all
1 Comments
I've had Pleurisy for about 18 years now. And it starts up every year. I will say this in short.
There are three types... not one!
1st last a few days like a small cold.
2nd lasts for weeks like a sickness or flu.
3rd can last for months and keep coming back when agitated and sparked back up.
Don't let a doctor say it couldn't be it because you've had it longer then a couple of days.
It also has extremely similar symptoms to pneumonia (fluid and gunk in the lungs and the body trying to get it out).
Most things have not worked to treat it, and I'm allergic to most drugs and antibiotics, so I can't take them, but for those of you who are not, Rynocort to dry up the lungs up works very well, and arrithamiacine helps with the broniycal infections.
Becuse I am, I can tell you that Beta Carrotine (Carrots) works well to open up your esophagus and lungs helping the body get air to the lungs and get the gunk out. It sounds like a lot, but I typically take 8 pills (which depending on the brand can be from 3,000-5,000 units) durring the worse weather and season conditions that bring it on; it equals about 300 carrots, and unless your allergic to carrots the worse it does is turn your skin a little orange after a month or so (orange only happens in some cases).
If your reading this and haven't had one, awesome, but my doctor calls it a pleurisy attack, and it feels like a heart attack... because of fluid in the lungs, you don't get enough oxygen in them, and therefore not the right amount of oxygen in your blood stream, if your like me and have tiny vains it's a double wammy... tiny vains and dense blood making it painful when it hits back up to the heart. Super similar to a heart attack, but your heart is beating normal and the hospital can't do anything for you. If you have had this I have found a few things that actually work!
Durring the attack take 600-800mg of ibuprofen and get this... START MASSAGING YOUR CALVES! When the dense blood gets the furthest away from the heart, the strongest circulation part of the body it get hard for a weak and in pain body to pump it correctly. Need and swqeeze the calves as hard as you can handle it (letting someone else do it works better if they are around) like needing dough, and for about 15 minutes, it will really get the book moving calm the pain down.
As for knowing it's coming back, lots of caughing is a good sign to start getting proactive about it.
Hope this helps a little. It's a super painful thing. I feel for you all.
There are three types... not one!
1st last a few days like a small cold.
2nd lasts for weeks like a sickness or flu.
3rd can last for months and keep coming back when agitated and sparked back up.
Don't let a doctor say it couldn't be it because you've had it longer then a couple of days.
It also has extremely similar symptoms to pneumonia (fluid and gunk in the lungs and the body trying to get it out).
Most things have not worked to treat it, and I'm allergic to most drugs and antibiotics, so I can't take them, but for those of you who are not, Rynocort to dry up the lungs up works very well, and arrithamiacine helps with the broniycal infections.
Becuse I am, I can tell you that Beta Carrotine (Carrots) works well to open up your esophagus and lungs helping the body get air to the lungs and get the gunk out. It sounds like a lot, but I typically take 8 pills (which depending on the brand can be from 3,000-5,000 units) durring the worse weather and season conditions that bring it on; it equals about 300 carrots, and unless your allergic to carrots the worse it does is turn your skin a little orange after a month or so (orange only happens in some cases).
If your reading this and haven't had one, awesome, but my doctor calls it a pleurisy attack, and it feels like a heart attack... because of fluid in the lungs, you don't get enough oxygen in them, and therefore not the right amount of oxygen in your blood stream, if your like me and have tiny vains it's a double wammy... tiny vains and dense blood making it painful when it hits back up to the heart. Super similar to a heart attack, but your heart is beating normal and the hospital can't do anything for you. If you have had this I have found a few things that actually work!
Durring the attack take 600-800mg of ibuprofen and get this... START MASSAGING YOUR CALVES! When the dense blood gets the furthest away from the heart, the strongest circulation part of the body it get hard for a weak and in pain body to pump it correctly. Need and swqeeze the calves as hard as you can handle it (letting someone else do it works better if they are around) like needing dough, and for about 15 minutes, it will really get the book moving calm the pain down.
As for knowing it's coming back, lots of caughing is a good sign to start getting proactive about it.
Hope this helps a little. It's a super painful thing. I feel for you all.
I completely understand your frustration! I have lived with chronic pleurisy and reactive airway desease for over 15 years now due to chemical exposure and my experience with doctors have been quite varied, to say the least. I had one dr.tell me my pain may be from the underwire in my bra! Another said it was in my head. Then I had pain specialists pump me full of meds! Finally, I took control of my care, reduced my meds for pain down to advise and tramidol. I learned meditation and breathing through the pain. I limit exposure to any temperature extremes, allergens and night air. I have been able to return to work finally, even if with the help of FMLA. I l wish you luck and do not give up!
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Did you find that temperature extremes brought on the pleurisy? Both times I have had an episode was after prolonged exposure to extreme heat. I am otherwise healthy, though somewhat overweight.
I've had pleurisy 5 times now in the last 10 years. Each time has been slightly different, but it's always gone away eventually (usually takes about 4-6 months). I know how miserable it is, and how hopeless it can make you feel. I've had multiple x-rays, ct scans, and EKG's. They never find anything! I've had multiple doctors say they are stumped. Usually when I have pleurisy, it's the life debilitating kind where every breath is like being stabbed in the chest with a huge knife, and the only thing that ever helped was 800mg ibuprofen every 4 hours. After 3 hours, the pain would start creeping back. This is clearly a bad situation, as NSAID's are hard on your stomach and I imagine your liver after prolonged use as well. At this point, I’ve become accustomed to dealing with it pretty quickly. When you think about it, the pain you are feeling is caused by your lungs rubbing against your ribs. You should do everything possible to keep the swelling down (advil/aleve) while also doing everything you can to eliminate the rubbing. Minimize activities that increase your breathing rate, avoid allergens that can cause sneezing/coughing (or take allergy meds) and take plenty of warm showers and use warm compresses on your chest (massages will probably help too).
This last bout has been the best and worst I’ve ever had. It doesn’t hurt nearly as much as usual, but it’s lasted now almost 7 months. Needless to say, stay positive, take care of yourself, and make sure you are treating any underlying causes. Not everyone has pleurisy for the same reason, and if your doctors can’t find a cause, don’t be alarmed. I’ve never taken antibiotics for it, and there’s no point as I’ve never been sick when I have it. Once the underlying causes are treated (if you have one), it’s time to let your body heal. It’s easier said than done in this situation.
This last bout has been the best and worst I’ve ever had. It doesn’t hurt nearly as much as usual, but it’s lasted now almost 7 months. Needless to say, stay positive, take care of yourself, and make sure you are treating any underlying causes. Not everyone has pleurisy for the same reason, and if your doctors can’t find a cause, don’t be alarmed. I’ve never taken antibiotics for it, and there’s no point as I’ve never been sick when I have it. Once the underlying causes are treated (if you have one), it’s time to let your body heal. It’s easier said than done in this situation.
In 2012-2014 I had recurrent pleurisy and empyema about 6 months after having to have open heart surgery (for a mitral valve repair). Then the pleurisy kept coming back - so painful - worse than childbirth! I had about 6 bouts over that 2 year period and each episode was gradually not quite so bad as the one before.
It is exactly as described above. But now, I am happy to say that I have not had pleurisy for 8 months (touch wood).
I hope that you are feeling better too as I notice it has been a while since your last post - hope you are OK. But for others reading this....
To treat the initial the infection (and I also had pneumonia) which just wouldn't go away, I had to go to hospital for about 2 weeks, have my lungs drained because of the empyema and I had to go on IV antibiotics which I then had to continue for a further 2-3 weeks at home (a nurse would visit my home to do this). Eventually the infection went away. For the whole time I was on quite strong anti inflammatory drugs and also on tramadol for the pain (it was the only thing that even touched the pain).
Since then in further episodes of pleurisy I've been OK with amoxilin from the doc for the infection and then ibuprofen for the inflammation and tramadol for the pain for the first few days. Sometimes in hospital but more often out of hospital.
Between bouts and only when there is not much pain or no pain, I have been doing breathing exercises similar to those decribed here by Hava - they have definitely been helpful but don't do these when you actually have it, wait until you are recovering and it will strengthen your lungs against future bouts. But they are really good and do really help.
Since being much better (no more pain) over the last 8 months, I have made sure to take up regular cardio vascular exercise to keep my lungs fit. So far so good. I go for a gentle jog for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a week - boring but necessary to keep me fit. Listening to podcasts whilst running helps me though it!
You will get through this - try to stay positive.
It is exactly as described above. But now, I am happy to say that I have not had pleurisy for 8 months (touch wood).
I hope that you are feeling better too as I notice it has been a while since your last post - hope you are OK. But for others reading this....
To treat the initial the infection (and I also had pneumonia) which just wouldn't go away, I had to go to hospital for about 2 weeks, have my lungs drained because of the empyema and I had to go on IV antibiotics which I then had to continue for a further 2-3 weeks at home (a nurse would visit my home to do this). Eventually the infection went away. For the whole time I was on quite strong anti inflammatory drugs and also on tramadol for the pain (it was the only thing that even touched the pain).
Since then in further episodes of pleurisy I've been OK with amoxilin from the doc for the infection and then ibuprofen for the inflammation and tramadol for the pain for the first few days. Sometimes in hospital but more often out of hospital.
Between bouts and only when there is not much pain or no pain, I have been doing breathing exercises similar to those decribed here by Hava - they have definitely been helpful but don't do these when you actually have it, wait until you are recovering and it will strengthen your lungs against future bouts. But they are really good and do really help.
Since being much better (no more pain) over the last 8 months, I have made sure to take up regular cardio vascular exercise to keep my lungs fit. So far so good. I go for a gentle jog for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a week - boring but necessary to keep me fit. Listening to podcasts whilst running helps me though it!
You will get through this - try to stay positive.
And other pleurisy sufferers, I totally emphasise, it is horrible iv never felt pain like it. The drs put mine down to scarlet fever, so have not even xrayd chest. I just want to knw if 1's you get it does it always return :'c I thought I was having a heart attack other day I'd gone up 1 flight stairs come back and my heart started palpitating and got this almost like a suffocation feeling in chest very tight but because I couldn't breath my whole body started tingling and my hands legs n lips started spasm my hands curled so tight iv bruised my own fingers (hyperventalated ) ended up in hospital was told it was refered pain caused by pleurisy ( arm weakness shoulder pain palpitations n tightened chest) now after been on antibiotics 4 nearly week the broken crushing rib hugging pain gone but I have a horrible burning pain all across back under shoulder blades now had it in rite lung does this mean its spread or is it refered pain again. Hope some1 finds a propa cure x
And other pleurisy sufferers, I totally emphasise, it is horrible iv never felt pain like it. The drs put mine down to scarlet fever, so have not even xrayd chest. I just want to knw if 1's you get it does it always return :'c I thought I was having a heart attack other day I'd gone up 1 flight stairs come back and my heart started palpitating and got this almost like a suffocation feeling in chest very tight but because I couldn't breath my whole body started tingling and my hands legs n lips started spasm my hands curled so tight iv bruised my own fingers (hyperventalated ) ended up in hospital was told it was refered pain caused by pleurisy ( arm weakness shoulder pain palpitations n tightened chest) now after been on antibiotics 4 nearly week the broken crushing rib hugging pain gone but I have a horrible burning pain all across back under shoulder blades now had it in rite lung does this mean its spread or is it refered pain again. Hope some1 finds a propa cure x
You are CORRECT...how could anyone who has experienced pleurisy think that breathing exercises could help?!?!?!
I'm sorry no one ever responded to you.
How did it turn out for you? Are you better?
How did it turn out for you? Are you better?
im 19 and married. we have a ton of stress on us an i doubt its gonna go away any time soon.
i have pleurisy iv taken so many different antibiotics BACTRIM is all i found to help but it never fully goes away. i feel like its making me forgetfull, and depressed in my head..i already have hard time sleeping now its worse.
the meds they all give me diarehia(sorry for spelling)
im at my wits end im so stressed with being sick i feel to young to have problems breathing..now in my boobs i see bright blue veins more than normal, an in my rist..an my feet are gaining weight an have red squigly lines near the bottom in one spot on each foot.
i feel im having all these changes .
iv had pleurisy for going on 3months now and its where people are getting mad at me for racking up medical bills and they dont believe im sick i dont look sick but i feel it an i think my husband keeps getting everything i get .
im also getting car sick real easy and dizzy alot my eyes hurt. i dont know whats going on doctors dont seem to help an i dont have insurance....what todo i dont wanna complain but all these panic attacks are making me so scared im so young an have no family to help
i have pleurisy iv taken so many different antibiotics BACTRIM is all i found to help but it never fully goes away. i feel like its making me forgetfull, and depressed in my head..i already have hard time sleeping now its worse.
the meds they all give me diarehia(sorry for spelling)
im at my wits end im so stressed with being sick i feel to young to have problems breathing..now in my boobs i see bright blue veins more than normal, an in my rist..an my feet are gaining weight an have red squigly lines near the bottom in one spot on each foot.
i feel im having all these changes .
iv had pleurisy for going on 3months now and its where people are getting mad at me for racking up medical bills and they dont believe im sick i dont look sick but i feel it an i think my husband keeps getting everything i get .
im also getting car sick real easy and dizzy alot my eyes hurt. i dont know whats going on doctors dont seem to help an i dont have insurance....what todo i dont wanna complain but all these panic attacks are making me so scared im so young an have no family to help
I have had pleurisy for about 4 months. Two months in they put me in the hospital for 5 days. Honestly I didn't think I was going to make it out. I had never heard of this before then. I had all the symptoms that everyone else is speaking of and had 3 CT scans done. I almost had to have a biopsy done on my right lung due to a 3 cm mass. The Dr. was worried that I had Cancer. Terrified to say the least.
I took very strong pain meds and antibiotics while there. Also on oxygen. Since being home I have been getting better. The antibiotics seem to be working with the 800mg of Ibuprofin. It has been a month and yesterday I started feeling some pain in my left side again, finger tips are turning bluish purple (with pain in them) my eyes are going crossed on there own. Let me clear that up, I will be relaxed and then feel a pressure in my eyes like I am crossing them. They don't actually move but I see double the same as if they were and they become diolated. That lasts for about a minute or so.
When I was put in the hospital I was told that I had inflamation in my lymphnodes in front of my heart, pneumonia, the mass on my right lung and fluid around my heart. I don't care for all of the weakness and the pain. I am a single mom of a 6 yr old and it is not easy to take care of her and myself at the same time. She is a trooper and helps out a lot.
As to your question on the letting your son play sports? From what I understand you can also bring pleurisy on from an injury. That would have to be a decision you guys make for yourselves. I do not deal with pain well at all so for me that decision would be easy, I just wouldn't play. This all just sounds so bad and wish we all didn't have to deal with any of it.
I am praying that what I am feeling in my fingers and chest are not this horrible disease coming back. Good luck to you and your son.
I took very strong pain meds and antibiotics while there. Also on oxygen. Since being home I have been getting better. The antibiotics seem to be working with the 800mg of Ibuprofin. It has been a month and yesterday I started feeling some pain in my left side again, finger tips are turning bluish purple (with pain in them) my eyes are going crossed on there own. Let me clear that up, I will be relaxed and then feel a pressure in my eyes like I am crossing them. They don't actually move but I see double the same as if they were and they become diolated. That lasts for about a minute or so.
When I was put in the hospital I was told that I had inflamation in my lymphnodes in front of my heart, pneumonia, the mass on my right lung and fluid around my heart. I don't care for all of the weakness and the pain. I am a single mom of a 6 yr old and it is not easy to take care of her and myself at the same time. She is a trooper and helps out a lot.
As to your question on the letting your son play sports? From what I understand you can also bring pleurisy on from an injury. That would have to be a decision you guys make for yourselves. I do not deal with pain well at all so for me that decision would be easy, I just wouldn't play. This all just sounds so bad and wish we all didn't have to deal with any of it.
I am praying that what I am feeling in my fingers and chest are not this horrible disease coming back. Good luck to you and your son.
hI. I get pleurisy almost every year and I catch if from a chill or slight cold. Done the hospital, specialist, doctors. This year when I got it went to give blood to find that white blook high and had bacterial infection which was treated by antibiotic for 8 days, then on day 5 went onto kortizone for 5 days. Take Simbicord inhaler and increased that to 6 puffs a day for a direct boost of kortizone. I immediately stayed indoors and put a wheat cushion heated up on my sore lung for and hour at a time 5 times a day/night. Lots of boiled hot water, celery which helps with the pain and an afternoon nap every afternoon. So far this is the best ever, I am almost better. Its been 3 weeks and normally I have it for months. The fevers the doctors cannot understand but I believe from my google friend that a fever is natures way of increasing the (white) blood cells which in turn assist your immune system. Still researching so any comment is of assistance. Janet
Have any of you used ClearLungs? I use to get bronchitis and it would go into pneumonia very fast. I would be sick a long time and several times a year. Someone told my about ClearLungs and I felt noticeable better the next day. Now I take it in allergy season and any time I feel a cold coming on or I have been exposed to something that makes my breathing weak. I have not had bronchitis or pneumonia since 1995! I am not selling this but I tell everyone I meet with lung trouble.
ClearLungs is an all natural Chinese herbal remedy that really works. It is a perfectly balanced formula containing a rich array of Chinese herbal ingredients plus homeopathic extracts that provides temporary relief of bronchial congestion, and is highly effective for any kind of breathing problem. There is a Liquid too.
If anyone tries ClearLungs.... Please share your results. It sounds like you need to be taking it all the time to keep from getting Pleurisy again. I feel for you guys and pray this will help.
ClearLungs is an all natural Chinese herbal remedy that really works. It is a perfectly balanced formula containing a rich array of Chinese herbal ingredients plus homeopathic extracts that provides temporary relief of bronchial congestion, and is highly effective for any kind of breathing problem. There is a Liquid too.
If anyone tries ClearLungs.... Please share your results. It sounds like you need to be taking it all the time to keep from getting Pleurisy again. I feel for you guys and pray this will help.
Hi Channing,
Just wondering how your son was feeling?
My husband was just diagnosed with pleurisy 3 days ago and I cannot even imagine it going on longer. Our doctor said he was fine to go play soccer, but when he did he had to quit and come home early because he was in pain. It is so scary to see.
He is getting a CT scan today.
I am printing out the breathing exercizes (thank you hatha) and going to have my husband start them. Do you rec all 4 once a day? I am also going to try to get us into walking/hiking more (since soccer is so painful)... and take it easy. This also seems like a good opportunity to change some of our diet habits and move over to more clean eating.
Just wondering how your son was feeling?
My husband was just diagnosed with pleurisy 3 days ago and I cannot even imagine it going on longer. Our doctor said he was fine to go play soccer, but when he did he had to quit and come home early because he was in pain. It is so scary to see.
He is getting a CT scan today.
I am printing out the breathing exercizes (thank you hatha) and going to have my husband start them. Do you rec all 4 once a day? I am also going to try to get us into walking/hiking more (since soccer is so painful)... and take it easy. This also seems like a good opportunity to change some of our diet habits and move over to more clean eating.
Some techniques you can follow yourself to help with pleurisy.PisForPleurisy(member) is already feeling the benefit.(see his post above). The benefit is very gradual.You will feel pain initially,but do not give up, and start with a few seconds, and then build up the timing very very gradually. Once you can do anulom vilom for more than 10 minutes you will start to notice the change. Your health is in your hands.
Build up your timing very gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy or feel pain, stop and resume later.
Anulom Vilom pranayam –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril
then -keeping the left nostril closed deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.
Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close little flap of ears with thumb,place index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Repeat this 5 to 21 times.
April 11 ,2012
Build up your timing very gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy or feel pain, stop and resume later.
Anulom Vilom pranayam –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril
then -keeping the left nostril closed deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.
Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close little flap of ears with thumb,place index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Repeat this 5 to 21 times.
April 11 ,2012
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